Amuriat Slams Katonga Faction’s Leadership Moves As Legally Irrelevant

The Najjanankumbi faction of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has vehemently condemned the recent “National Delegates Conference” convened by Ambassador Wasswa Biriggwa, who they claim has aligned himself with the splinter group based at Katonga.

During a press briefing held on Wednesday, FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi labeled the conference and its resolutions as null and void, citing a court order that prohibited the gathering.

“This so-called conference is nothing more than a farce. The convener, Biriggwa, was explicitly restrained by a court order from organizing any such event, rendering all decisions made during this conference legally irrelevant.” he said

Amuriat referenced a ruling by Justice Esther Nambayo, which placed an injunction on Biriggwa and his associates, barring them from holding the conference initially scheduled for September 19, 2024.

“The law is clear. Any resolutions that came after this ruling are treated as null and void. The Katonga group has no legal standing to dissolve the party or make any binding decisions,” Amuriat asserted.

The Najjanankumbi faction maintains that it is the legitimate leadership of the FDC, having conducted a National Delegates Conference on October 6, 2023, which was sanctioned by Justice Musa Ssekaana and recognized by the Electoral Commission.

“We held a lawful conference, elected new office bearers, and filed our leadership with the Electoral Commission. Our mandate is clear, and it has not been challenged,” Amuriat emphasized.

Addressing the Katonga group’s attempt to extend the interim leadership of Erias Lukwago and to form a new political party, Amuriat dismissed these actions as unconstitutional.

“There is no provision in our party constitution for an interim leadership. What they are doing is ridiculous, foolhardy, and unconstitutional,” he said.

Amuriat further criticized the Katonga group’s leaders, including Lukwago, Francis Mwijukye, and Salaamu Musumba, accusing them of engaging in divisive and self-serving politics.

“The country can now see that the allegations made by Dr. Kizza Besigye against the FDC leadership were merely a smokescreen to cover their own shortcomings. These individuals have surrounded themselves with people of questionable character, and their actions are tarnishing the reputation of the party.”he further remarked

Despite the ongoing internal strife, Amuriat reassured FDC supporters that the Najjanankumbi faction remains committed to the party’s original values and mission.

“We are not moved by the theatrics of our colleagues at Katonga. Our focus remains on grassroots mobilization and expanding the spirit of One Uganda, One People. We are seeing enthusiasm from our supporters across the country, and we will continue to build on that momentum.”  he noted

The Najjanankumbi faction is set to hold a mobilization event in Jinja City on August 24, 2024, as part of their ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s presence nationwide.

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